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Top 30 Affordable Master’s in Cybersecurity Online Programs 2020

In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable master’s in cybersecurity online programs of 2020.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for graduates of master’s in cybersecurity online programs is highly favorable for the next several years. Cybersecurity professionals can earn high salaries and enjoy stable careers due to the increased demand for this role. There are a number of accredited institutions that now offer online cybersecurity programs, and many are affordable. In fact, through our research, we found some of the most affordable master’s in cybersecurity online programs.

We reviewed 78 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources (U.S. News and World Report) that offered online master’s in cybersecurity or closely related disciplines. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), institution rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees of less than $19,000. We then ranked our chosen schools according to raw affordability.

Below are the resulting selections for our top 30 affordable master’s in cybersecurity online programs.

#30 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Manchester, New Hampshire

No GRE or GMAT requirement for the master’s in cybersecurity online program at SNHU.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University’s master’s in cybersecurity online program is designed to position students for in-demand roles in cybersecurity. The program is offered fully online and has an option to earn a concentration in IT management. Through the 36-credit program, students take courses that cover topics like cyberlaw and ethics, foundation in information assurance, incident detection and response, and network assessment and defense. Since there is no GRE or GMAT requirement, applicants may apply at any time and receive a decision within days of submitting required materials. SNHU is a fully accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #92 in best regional universities in the North.

#29 – Regent University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Two concentrations available! Regent University – top choice for affordable online master’s in cybersecurity programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,952

Regent University’s accredited online master’s in cybersecurity program consists of 30 credit hours of online or on-campus coursework and study. The program offers classes that run eight weeks in length and cover all topics foundational to the cyber security discipline. These courses include cybersecurity ethics, digital systems design and forensics, information systems security and assurance, and internet and network security. There are two concentrations available in cybersecurity management and cybersecurity policy. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree to align with specific career goals. Regent ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 281st best national university in the country.

#28 – Mercy College

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Dobbs Ferry, New York

The online cybersecurity programs at Mercy College include both graduate and undergraduate degrees. To earn an online master’s in cybersecurity, enrolled students have the option of a five-year bachelor’s to master’s degree or an 18-month master’s degree. Flexible online classes are taught by Mercy College’s experienced faculty. Courses seen in the program include graduate topics like forensic computing, foundation cybersecurity sciences, information assurance and management, mobile technologies and wireless sensor services, and wireless network and security. To remain in the dual program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. In the latest rankings published by U.S. News and World Report, Mercy College ranks #129-#170 in best regional universities in the North.

#27 – Roger Williams University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Bristol, Rhode Island

Ranked with U.S. News! Roger Williams University offers an online master’s in cybersecurity.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,668

Roger Williams University offers an accredited master’s in cybersecurity online degree program for students who wish to gain technical skills and situational management experience for an information security career. Both the M.A. and M.S. in cybersecurity programs are taught fully online. Courses cover topics like cybersecurity essentials, digital forensics, introduction to cybersecurity, law for forensics professionals, and N+ and S+ certification. To complete the program, students must earn 30 credits of required coursework. In addition to accreditation, Roger Williams ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 28th best regional university in the North and #56 in best value schools.

#26 – Florida Institute of Technology

Online Master’s in Information Technology/Cybersecurity

Melbourne, Florida

Only 33 credits for the online master’s in cybersecurity at Florida Tech.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128

Florida Institute of Technology offers affordable online cybersecurity programs, such as the online master’s in information technology and cybersecurity. This fully online MSIT in cybersecurity program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Classes are taught by Florida Tech faculty and delivered entirely online. These courses cover topics in advanced management of information systems, computer systems administration, organizational behavior, and project management for information technology. A total of 33 credits are required for graduation. Florida Tech offers affordability and rankings with major publications. In fact, U.S. News ranks Florida Tech #202 in best national universities.

#25 – Georgia Institute of Technology

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology offers an affordable online master’s in cybersecurity with world-class instruction in energy systems, information security, and public policy. Georgia Tech’s reputation for offering quality education is seen in the cybersecurity program. Online classes are taught by the same esteemed faculty who instruct on campus. These courses cover topics like applied cryptography, information security policies and strategies, network security, and secure computer systems. Students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 to graduate. Georgia Tech is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 29th best national university in the country.

#24 – George Mason University

Online Master’s in Applied Information Technology – Cyber Security

Fairfax, Virginia

Earn an IT degree with a specialization in cybersecurity at George Mason University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,648

George Mason University offers accredited and affordable online cybersecurity programs designed to lead to careers in Big Data, cybersecurity, knowledge mining, and IT. The program can be completed fully online and offers courses taught by credentialed faculty. Classes cover topics like algorithms and data structures essentials, database management systems, fundamentals of computing platforms, and secure software development. A total of 30-36 credits are required to graduate. In addition to offering quality online courses, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 153rd best national university. Also, the online master’s in computer information technology programs, including cybersecurity, rank #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#23 – Maryville University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Saint Louis, Missouri

Maryville University’s master’s in cybersecurity online degree program requires no campus visits and is offered exclusively online. This fast-paced cyber security program allows students to take online classes and earn a graduate degree in as few as 12 months. Courses cover topics in cyber security like advanced pen testing, controls for effective cyber defense, designing and implementing cloud security, and security log management and analysis. All courses delivered online are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Maryville ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, several online graduate programs have received top 100 and top 200 rankings.

#22 – University of Rhode Island

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Kingston, Rhode Island

Ranked and accredited! The online master’s in cybersecurity at University of Rhode Island.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,514

The professional and affordable cybersecurity degree at University of Rhode Island is geared toward working students. The Professional Science Master’s in Cyber Security is an online program that allows students to work full-time while earning their graduate degree. Core courses cover assurance, cybersecurity, and systems security topics. These classes include advanced topics in network and systems security, introduction to information assurance, introduction to network and systems security, and professional skills for cyber security. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Rhode Island #166 in best national universities and #121 in best value schools.

#21 – National University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

La Jolla, California

National University’s online master’s in cybersecurity is a professional degree designed for those seeking careers that ensure security, integrity, control, and availability of the world’s computing and information systems infrastructure. The program may be completed 100% online. This means working students benefit from the convenient structure of classes that can be taken in the evenings and on weekends. Classes cover topics like cyber security technology, ethical hacking, net defense and cloud security, and threat modeling and intelligence. Most classes run four weeks in length so that students may hone in on one subject at a time. According to U.S. News and World Report, National University ranks among the best regional universities in the West.

#20 – Lewis University

Online Master’s in Computer Science – Cyber Security

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University’s online cybersecurity programs include the online master’s in computer science with a concentration in cyber security. Courses are delivered to students online and ideally designed for working and busy schedules. These courses include a variety of cyber security topics, such as advanced cyber security, application security, cyber security essentials, encryption and authentication, and network security essentials. Lewis University ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #20 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #14 in best colleges for veterans. The online master’s in cybersecurity program costs less than $15,000 per year.

#19 – Regis University

Online Master’s in Information and Cyber Security

Denver, Colorado

Ranked and accredited! Regis University – top choice for affordable master’s in cybersecurity online programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,441

Regis University’s master’s in cybersecurity online degree program offers classes online, on campus, or a combination of both. The fully online program requires 36 credits, with classes that run eight weeks in length. These classes start six times throughout the year. Program requirements include a series of online courses taught by university professors. These courses cover topics like advancing to cyber security, computer forensics, enterprise architecture, information technology research methods, and risk management. In addition to offering an accredited online master’s degree, Regis ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Other rankings include #113 in top performers on social mobility and #45-#58 in best online master’s in computer information technology programs.

#18 – University of California

Online Master of Information and Security

Berkeley, California

The University of California (UC Berkeley) is a top-ranked institution that now offers online cybersecurity programs, including the master’s in information and security. This fully accredited program helps prepare students with the cybersecurity skills needed for leadership roles in private-sector tech companies, as well as government-run agencies. Courses are delivered online and taught by UC Berkeley’s esteemed professors. These courses cover topics like cybersecurity in context, managing cyber risk, privacy engineering, and software security. UC Berkeley ranks with major publications as a top institution. In fact, 2020 rankings with U.S. News and World Report rank the school #22 in best national universities and #148 in best value institutions.

#17 – St. Bonaventure University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Saint Bonaventure, New York

No GRE or GMAT required for the online master’s in cybersecurity – St. Bonaventure University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,860

St. Bonaventure University’s online master’s in cybersecurity program requires no GRE or GMAT for admission. This 100 percent online program is flexibly designed to accommodate working professionals and busy students. Curriculum highlights topics like cybersecurity forensics, data mining for cybersecurity, foundations of cybersecurity, machine learning with applications in cybersecurity, and risk management and system hardening and protection. Log in anywhere in the world using St. Bonaventure’s online platform. Also, graduate in just 18 months! In addition to the school’s online offerings, St. Bonaventure ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #19 in best regional universities in the North and #3 in best value schools.

#16 – University of Arizona

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Tucson, Arizona

Ranked with U.S. News! University of Arizona’s online master’s in cybersecurity.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,271

One of the most affordable cybersecurity degree programs on our list is offered by University of Arizona. This fully online degree program enables working professionals to train for rapidly growing career paths in IT and cybersecurity. Courses cover topics like business data communications and networking, data mining for business intelligence, information security in public and private sectors, and systems cybersecurity engineering. The program consists of 33 credits and most courses run eight weeks in length. Also adding to the program’s flexibility, six admission dates are offered throughout the year. University of Arizona ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university in the country.

#15 – Valparaiso University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Valparaiso, Indiana

Ranked with U.S. News! Valparaiso University offers an online master’s in cybersecurity that’s highly affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,220

Valparaiso University’s affordable cybersecurity degree is available for nearly $12,000 per year. The program is designed to help students receive advanced training in techniques that protect an organization’s network and information security. Throughout the program, students focus on critical disciplines, including cyber operations, ethical hacking and counter measures, network and infrastructure security, reverse software engineering, and security across different operating systems. Since there are no predefined specialization tracks, students may choose electives that interest them. Valparaiso ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 153rd best national university. The school is fully accredited and offers one of the most affordable degrees in cybersecurity on our list.

#14 – Bellevue University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Bellevue, Nebraska

A fully online master’s in cybersecurity that is cheap and accredited – Bellevue University!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,205

Bellevue University’s online master’s in cybersecurity is a 36-credit program offered online and designed for working students. The program prepares students with the skills needed to prevent network attacks, managing information security risks, and implementing digital forensics investigative techniques. Online classes cover topics like computer forensics, current trends in cybersecurity, ethical hacking and response, information security management, risk management studies, and security architecture and design. To qualify for admission, applicants must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have maintained a GPA of at least 2.5. Bellevue has earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.

#13 – Iowa State University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Ames, Iowa

Iowa State University’s master’s in cybersecurity online degree program offers 100 percent online learning through digital streaming classes. Students may choose the day, time, and location to observe class lectures taught by university professors. These courses allow for maximum flexibility, especially for working students. Typical online courses you will see in this program include advanced computer networking, computer security, ethical and legal issues in computer security, forensics, and information warfare. Iowa State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 121st best national university and 101st best value school. If you’re looking for affordable options for an online master’s in cybersecurity, Iowa State is a good place to start your research.

#12 – University of South Florida

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Tampa, Florida

Several concentrations offered with the online master’s in cybersecurity at University of South Florida.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428

University of South Florida’s online cybersecurity programs include the online master’s in cybersecurity. This fully online degree offers four concentrations designed for students to tailor their graduate degree to fit with career interests. These concentrations include computer security fundamentals, cyber intelligence, digital forensics, and information assurance. 12 credits of core courses, 18 concentration credits, and a 3-credit practicum are required. Core courses cover topics like decision processes for business continuity and disaster recovery, and information security and risk management. The required practicum includes three credit hours of supervised field work. USF ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 104th best national university and 60th best value school in the country.

#11 – Purdue University Global

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Management

Indianapolis, Indiana

Purdue University Global offers affordable cybersecurity degree programs, including the online master’s in cybersecurity management. Each course is delivered online and runs six weeks. Courses require approximately 20 hours per week of study and effort, according to the program’s website. Sample courses you might see while earning your master’s in cybersecurity online from Purdue Global include computer and network security, ethical hacking and network defense, and wireless and cloud security. If you have already completed certification exams in particular areas, you may be eligible for credit toward your degree. Purdue Global accepts transfer credits. In addition to offering flexible programs online, the school has earned consistent rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top institution.

#10 – University of Maryland Global Campus

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Technology

Adelphi, Maryland

The affordable online master’s in cybersecurity technology offered at University of Maryland Global Campus is a 36-credit program ideally designed for working students. The program prepares students for potential careers in fields like cyber security analysis and technology, board advising, and information security. All courses are delivered online and taught by experience faculty who routinely teach on the Adelphi campus. Core courses required of students enrolled in the master’s in cybersecurity online program include cyberspace and cybersecurity foundations, digital forensics technology and practices, and prevention of cyber attack methodologies. UMD ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

#9 – Wilmington University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

New Castle, Delaware

Wilmington University’s master’s in cybersecurity online degree program offers 100% online options ideal for working and busy students. The program is fully accredited and considered one of the most affordable on our list. Core courses cover topics like cyber threat intelligence, network security, protecting and security and the OS, and vulnerability assessment and PT. There are also two concentration options available for students interested in tailoring their degree. These concentrations are cyber terrorism, and SCADA cybersecurity. To qualify for the master’s degree, students must complete 36 credits or 12 courses, including the research seminar and cybersecurity capstone. Wilmington University ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#8 – Liberty University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University, a well-known Christian institution, offers affordable cybersecurity degree programs, including the master’s in cyber security. This program is available fully online and consists of 36 credits. Students earning the master’s in cyber security degree may work at an accelerated pace and finish degree requirements in just 1.5 years. Classes are delivered 100% online and run eight weeks in length. These classes cover topics like applied cryptography, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and issues in anonymity, privacy, and security. Liberty ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. In fact, Liberty’s 2020 rankings include #293-#381 in best national universities and #335 in top performers on social mobility.

#7 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online Master’s in Information Security and Assurance

Daytona Beach, Florida

Looking for an affordable online master’s in cybersecurity? Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers an accredited online master’s in information security and assurance. Students may customize their degree in three specializations relevant in today’s business climate. These specializations include information assurance in a global context, information systems security, and protecting business intelligence. Regardless of your selected specialization, certain core classes are delivered across the board. These foundational courses cover topics like cyber law and compliance, enterprise systems architectures, and risk management and business continuity. Embry-Riddle ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the South.

#6 – Stevenson University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Stevenson, Maryland

Ranked by U.S. News! The highly affordable online master’s in cybersecurity at Stevenson University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,040

Stevenson University’s affordable online cybersecurity programs include the master’s in cybersecurity and digital forensics. With online sessions for working adults and a career-focused curriculum, the graduate program is ideal for busy professionals. Courses, taught by experienced faculty, are delivered entirely online. These courses cover topics like file systems forensic analysis, legal compliance and ethics, network penetration testing, and Windows forensic examination. Stevenson University is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, 2020 rankings include #75 in best regional universities in the North and #33 in best value schools. Due to its low tuition cost, Stevenson earns a spot on our list of affordable cybersecurity online programs.

#5 – Sam Houston State University

Online Master’s in Information Assurance and Security

Huntsville, Texas

Looking for an affordable cybersecurity degree that’s also available online? Sam Houston State University offers flexible online master’s programs that are fully accredited and affordable. The online master’s in information assurance and security is open to students who have completed an undergraduate computer science or management information systems major or minor. However, students may apply if they’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field and have appropriate professional experience. Since the degree is technical, experience in a tech field is a must. Online courses cover topics like business continuity management, database security, operating system security, and principle and policy information assurance. In addition to being accredited, SHSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#4 – Western Governors University

Online Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Raleigh, North Carolina

A 24-month program! Western Governors University offers a master’s in cybersecurity online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,790

Western Governors University offers a master’s in cybersecurity online program. This degree is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and was designed with input from experts and employers associated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines. The program takes 24 months to complete and can be done so by taking online courses. These courses include cybersecurity architecture and engineering, cybersecurity management, and secure software design. In addition to earning the master’s degree, WGU offers the opportunity to earn certifications. These certifications include EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker. In recent years, WGU has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university.

#3 – Saint Leo University

Online Master’s in Cyber Security

Saint Leo, Florida

Saint Leo University offers an accredited and affordable online master’s in cybersecurity. This program teaches contemporary skills vital to protecting organizational networks and infrastructures. All courses are delivered online and conveniently designed to accommodate the working and busy schedules of students. These courses cover topics like advanced networking and protocols, cloud computing security, cybersecurity compliance and legal issues, and principles of cybersecurity management. In addition to courses, students conduct advanced research in information security and assurance. Saint Leo is a top-ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #25 in best regional universities in the South.

Magnolia, Arkansas

Southern Arkansas University offers affordable cybersecurity degree options for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity or information assurance. This 30-credit degree takes two years to complete when taking two classes per semester including the summer. There are also three different focus areas available that allow students to tailor their degree to fit with personal or career interests. These focus areas include cyber security and privacy, data science, and information technology. While all courses are delivered online, students receive the same quality education as traditionally-enrolled colleagues. Courses cover topics like advanced programming concepts, computer networking, information and networking security, and privacy compliant systems design. Southern Arkansas ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #96-#122 in best regional universities in the South and #76 in top performers on social mobility.

#1 – University of the Cumberlands

Online Master’s in Information Systems Security

Williamsburg, Kentucky

#1 most affordable master’s in cybersecurity online program – University of the Cumberlands.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970

The University of the Cumberlands offers the #1 most affordable master’s in cybersecurity online program on our list. This versatile degree allows students to gain technical experience in information systems security while learning how to protect organizational networks and infrastructure. The program is mapped to the cyber security education standards set forth by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). Courses cover topics like access control, application security, information security and risk management, and telecommunications and network security. The University of the Cumberlands ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 293rd to 381st best national university in the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for a master’s in cybersecurity online program?

While admission requirements for online master’s in cybersecurity programs vary, many are the same. Generally, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited (regional or national) college or university. Many of the programs on our list, particularly top-ranked schools and programs, require an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. However, not all programs require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Some programs ask that undergraduate study be in a related discipline or that the applicant have taken certain computer science and math classes.

While some of the top-ranked programs on our list require the GRE for admission, this is not the case across the board. Many online master’s in cybersecurity programs do not require the GRE for admission consideration. Also, some programs offer a GRE waiver to those applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.

Additional requirements vary by program, but many ask for a statement of goals or purpose, letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential and contribution to the field, and work experience. Not all programs require work experience, but some ask that applicants have at least one to five years of work history in a related field.

What classes will I take for a master’s in cybersecurity online degree?

Coursework for a master’s in cybersecurity online degree program is similar, if not the same, as a traditional degree. Foundational courses for this specialized master’s program include computer science and mathematics. Many cybersecurity programs require the completion of certain math and computer courses prior to admission. However, these same classes may be offered in the master’s program. For example, cryptology, which covers cryptographic protocols, is often offered as one of the first required courses in a master’s in cybersecurity online program.

Additional coursework covers topics like application security, computer networking, digital forensics, foundations of algorithms, and operational cybersecurity management. Digital forensics is a class that prepares students to protect businesses and the general public against cyberthreats and cybercrime.

Other courses include computer networking exploration and data transfer. It is imperative that cybersecurity analysts understand client-server architectures and web applications to better protect them against cyberattacks.

In addition to completing the classes required for an online master’s in cybersecurity degree, a capstone experience is also incorporated into many programs. Capstone experiences are generally hands-on learning experiences that come in the form of a thesis, final project, or practicum. They usually last between one and two semesters and end just before graduation.

What specializations are there for a master’s in cybersecurity online degree?

To increase marketability, students often choose a concentration or specialization. There are several available specializations in online master’s in cybersecurity programs. Some of the most common specializations include computer security, cyber operations, governance or risk management and compliance, and networking and infrastructure. By adding a specialization to the master’s degree, students are able to tailor their program to better align with career goals and personal interests.

A cyber operations specialization focuses on skills needed for vulnerability assessment. This concentration may also cover topics in malware analysis and penetration. The knowledge learned can be applied to a variety of careers in education, financial services, infrastructure, and defense.

Networking and infrastructure specializations emphasize the in-depth tools and skills needed for intrusion detection. This is a technical concentration that may also include computer technology classes.

Also, a cybersecurity specialization is offered in some programs for those earning a master’s in in criminal justice or another closely related discipline. In these programs, students may tailor their master’s in criminal justice degree to emphasize cybersecurity. The cybersecurity specialization requires additional classes outside the required criminal justice courses. Usually students take between four and eight additional cybersecurity classes to earn a specialization in cybersecurity.

What is the job outlook for someone with a master’s in cybersecurity online degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes cybersecurity analysts with information security analysts. BLS reports an extremely favorable job outlook for this career over the next decade. In fact, from 2018 to 2028, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent. This growth is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

The favorable job outlook and demand for cybersecurity analysts is expected to be high over the next several years. As cyberattacks become more prevalent and possible, analysts will be needed to protect infrastructure and organization networks. Preventing hackers from stealing information or creating problems for computer networks will also be needed.

All types of organizations will benefit from cybersecurity prevention. From banks and financial institutions to healthcare and medical facilities, cybersecurity analysts will be needed. Job prospects for this occupation will be good, as the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 55 percent through 2028. In any industry where the protection of personal information is important, such as medical records or financial details, information or cybersecurity analysts will be needed.

Individuals with related work experience or a master’s in cybersecurity online degree should have the best job prospects. These individuals will also stand out from competition by their education and/or work experience.

Are there professional associations I should join while earning a master’s in cybersecurity online degree?

While earning a master’s in cybersecurity online degree, there are several professional associations open to students. These associations offer many benefits for graduate students seeking careers in cybersecurity or information security.

The main benefits of joining professional associations in cybersecurity for graduate students include networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, and online discussion groups. These resources can assist students with employment following graduation. Job boards are also available for members of professional associations. We have detailed some of the top professional organizations for cybersecurity students below.

ISSA: The Information Systems Security Association International (ISSA) offers educational resources and networking opportunities for cybersecurity and information security professionals. Local chapter meetings and international conferences take place regularly. These events provide networking opportunities for recent college graduates and current students.

ISC: The ISC is an international, nonprofit membership association for cybersecurity and information security leaders. Currently, there are more than 150,000 certified members, which means plentiful networking opportunities for graduate students and recent college grads. Membership includes access to educational opportunities, conferences, and webinars.

ISACA: This global organization boasts over 130,000 professionals and offers access to conferences, online forums, and opportunities to volunteer time and efforts locally and abroad.

Access to additional professional associations open to students may be found through your master’s in cybersecurity online program.

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